ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts covered in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores China as a rising power in low-carbon development, specifically hydropower, in Asia and Africa, from a sustainable development perspective comprising the political, economic, social and environmental aspects. It focuses on Chinese state-owned enterprise (SOE) involvement in hydropower dam construction and financing in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), particularly in Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar. The book examines the impact of China's investment in the African hydropower sector from the perspective of the water–energy nexus. It discusses the results of a global benchmarking project regarding the Chinese overseas hydropower industry carried out by International Rivers. It describes the environmental and social governance issues of the Bui Dam project in Ghana, built and financed by Chinese companies and banks. The book also discusses the social, economic and political aspects of the Kamchay Dam construction.
